Bailey scratched with mild groin strain

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Reds got another dose of bad news about the starting rotation. Homer Bailey was scratched from today's start with a mild strain of his right groin.

"We just decided to be cautious," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's right on time, he's throwing the ball good so we're just going to push him back. I can't tell you exactly when he's going to make his next start. Just precautionary, not a significant strain."

Bailey downplayed the injury as well.

"I just kind of tweaked it," he said. "Not enough to hit a panic button or anything. We just figured: Be smart about it, take today off and make the next (start)."

The Reds have had their share of tough luck with starting pitchers this spring. Mat Latos injured his knee and needed surgery on the day spring opened. Mike Leake missed a start with a abdominal strain.

"I guess better now than when the season starts," Price said. "Optimistically, I think we could start with all five intact. I don't think the Homer thing is going to be an issue. Johnny (Cueto's) been feeling good. Mat came out of yesterday feeling good. Leaker seems to be over the hump.

"Some of these things we could have been more aggressive with if it was in season and a big series. Some of these guys could have pitched. Leaker probably could have stayed on task. Homer might have been able to pitch. It just doesn't make any sense to run those guys through it."

Bailey was throwing yesterday when the injury occurred.

"It was kind of weird it all happened at once," he said. "I had done all my throwing for the day and was throwing a little flat ground. I literally said, 'OK, one more.' Sure, enough that one more was the one. I didn't feel anything before it happened. It just came out of nowhere.

"It scared me right away. But afterwards I was doing stuff and it tightened up on me. I decided to get it checked out. Let's be pro-active and get this knocked out."

Again, Bailey plans to make his next start.

"They said it's in the belly of muscle -- not at the attachment," he said. "So it will heal a lot quicker."